Three-dimensional fluid-structural interaction and thermal analysis of a large diameter horizontal cryogenic transfer line

Abstract

This paper focuses on the thermal stress analysis and the thermal bowing phenomenon in a large 12-inch diameter cryogenic transfer line during chill-down with liquid oxygen. To investigate the chill-down characteristics and corresponding thermal stress generation, a threedimensional fluid-structural numerical model has been adopted in this work. The numerical simulation is performed on a 2 m long transfer line having an internal diameter of 30.48 cm (12 inch). Three dimensional modelling has been performed to numerate the channel wall temperature distribution along with the flow, at the top and the bottom portions. Based on the temperature data from CFD calculations, transient structural analysis and deformation of the transfer line are studied using a finite element model. Results show that the bowing in the transfer line occurs when there is a strong circumferential variation in temperature. Furthermore, this study provides a numerical simulation that predicts the chill-down time and the time when a stratified flow occurs in the line. This numerical method has been found to be a useful tool for the evaluation, design, and development of a large diameter cryogenic transfer line for transportation of large quantity of cryogenic fluid.